If you are looking for a delicate and delightfully fragrant treat to brighten your tea time or impress your guests, this Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These buttery, crumbly cookies carry the subtle floral notes of dried culinary lavender, perfectly balanced with a hint of vanilla and just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe transforms simple pantry staples into an elegant, memorable cookie that feels like a little moment of magic in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe uses a handful of straightforward ingredients that work harmoniously to create rich flavor, a tender texture, and a beautiful pale golden color. Each one plays a vital role in making these cookies irresistibly melt-in-your-mouth.
- Unsalted butter, 1 cup: Softened butter lends a creamy richness and tender crumb essential to shortbread’s classic texture.
- Powdered sugar, 1/2 cup: Finely ground sugar ensures sweetness without grit and helps the cookies stay soft.
- All-purpose flour, 2 cups: The base of the dough, providing structure and that signature shortbread density.
- Cornstarch, 1/4 cup: Adds a delicate lightness to the crumb, making the cookies wonderfully tender and slightly crumbly.
- Dried culinary lavender, 1 tablespoon: Infuses the dough with gentle floral aroma and flavor, bringing the unique character to this Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe.
- Salt, 1/2 teaspoon: Enhances and balances the sweetness while rounding out all the flavors.
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Adds depth and warmth that melds the ingredients beautifully, complementing the lavender’s floral notes.
How to Make Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This preparation ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup easier too.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light, creamy, and fluffy. This step, which usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes, is key because it incorporates air that contributes to the cookie’s delicate texture.
Step 3: Add Flavorings
Next, stir in the vanilla extract and dried lavender. Make sure the lavender is evenly distributed throughout the dough, as this will guarantee each bite offers those beautiful floral hints that make this Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe stand out.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your butter and sugar blend, stirring just until combined. Over-mixing here can toughen the dough, so be gentle and patient.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Shape your dough into a firm log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and pop it into the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to slice and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Step 6: Slice and Bake
Once chilled, slice the dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds and arrange them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet. Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn a lovely light golden brown.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling properly is crucial for the texture — it helps the cookies firm without sacrificing that signature shortbread tenderness.
How to Serve Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a charming presentation, consider dusting the cookies lightly with powdered sugar or garnishing with a sprinkle of finely crushed lavender petals on top. These small touches highlight the floral theme and add a rustic, elegant visual.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a warm cup of Earl Grey tea, chamomile, or even a light citrus-infused herbal tea. The floral notes in the cookies complement the delicate flavors of these teas, making every bite and sip feel like a cozy, uplifting experience.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re bringing these cookies to a party or gifting them, arrange stacks tied with a soft lavender ribbon or tuck them into decorative boxes lined with parchment paper. You could also include a small sachet of dried lavender for guests to keep, amplifying the sensory delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Lavender Shortbread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and maintain their perfect crumbly texture for up to a week. Be sure to keep them away from strong aromas as they can be easily influenced by other scents.
Freezing
If you want to keep these cookies longer, you can freeze them. Wrap the baked cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
Although these cookies are wonderful at room temperature, if you want to warm them up, place them briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. This will refresh their delicate buttery aroma and give a pleasant slight softness to the texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried for this recipe?
It’s best to use dried culinary lavender because fresh lavender has more moisture, which can affect the texture of the dough. Dried lavender also has a more concentrated flavor, which works perfectly in the cookies.
What makes this recipe different from traditional shortbread?
The addition of dried lavender is the star here, offering a subtle floral note that transforms classic shortbread into something uniquely aromatic and elegant. Vanilla adds warmth, while cornstarch ensures an extra tender texture.
Can I substitute cornstarch with something else?
If you don’t have cornstarch, you can try using arrowroot powder or potato starch in the same quantity. These alternatives will similarly soften the texture without compromising the traditional shortbread feel.
Are Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
This particular recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free. However, you can experiment by substituting a gluten-free flour blend, but keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different.
How can I intensify the lavender flavor if I want it stronger?
To boost the lavender aroma, you can gently grind your dried lavender before adding it to the dough or slightly increase the amount, but be careful not to overpower the cookie with too much floral bitterness.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a batch of homemade Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe: they are comforting, elegant, and imbued with a delicate floral charm that lifts any occasion. Once you try this recipe, you’ll find that simple ingredients combined thoughtfully can create moments of joy and sweetness worth sharing. So go ahead, bake a batch and let the warm scent of lavender fill your kitchen and your heart.
Print
Lavender Shortbread Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Lavender Shortbread Cookies are buttery, delicate, and subtly infused with aromatic dried culinary lavender. Perfect for tea time or a light, floral-flavored treat, these cookies combine the classic crumbly texture of shortbread with a fragrant floral twist, baked to a golden perfection.
Ingredients
Shortbread Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter together with the powdered sugar. Beat for about 3-5 minutes until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and smooth.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the vanilla extract and dried culinary lavender carefully, ensuring the lavender pieces are evenly distributed throughout the mixture for uniform flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, stirring gently until just combined and a dough forms. Do not overmix to maintain the tender texture.
- Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a log, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to slice and helps maintain cookie shape during baking.
- Slice and Bake: Remove dough from refrigerator and slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife. Place the rounds evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges turn a light golden color.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from becoming soggy on the bottom and retains their crispness.
Notes
- Use culinary-grade lavender to ensure the flavor is pleasant and safe to eat.
- For a more pronounced lavender flavor, lightly crush the dried lavender buds before adding.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- These cookies pair wonderfully with tea or a light coffee.
- Chilling the dough is crucial to prevent spreading and to achieve perfect texture.
